The State Chairman of KONGONET, Hamza Aliyu, has urged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the attack on Ayo Aiyepekun, a journalist with Inside Story, and determine his whereabouts to bring closure to his family.
He noted that the family has been left traumatized not only by the attack itself but also by the pain of not knowing what has happened to their loved one.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Aliyu expressed sympathy to Aiyepekun’s family over the tragic incident and prayed that they find comfort and strength from God to cope with their loss.
Commenting on a separate but related incident, he condemned the recent armed robbery at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) PRIME FM 101.5 in Jimgbe, Kogi State.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday, July 26, 2025, and according to Aliyu, it further highlights the serious security challenges affecting both national and local levels.
He pointed out that PRIME FM was already facing operational challenges before the attack, which have now worsened due to the destruction and theft of valuable equipment.
This, he said, has hindered efforts by the station’s management and staff to restore the station’s full broadcasting capacity.
Aliyu noted that although the Kogi State Government has recently taken steps to address rising crime rates, the attack on the radio station and the earlier fatal attack on journalist Ayo Aiyepekun in Lokoja show that more needs to be done to combat armed crimes in the state, particularly in the capital.
Describing Aiyepekun as a young, passionate, and promising journalist, he called the attack on him “gruesome and despicable.” He also raised concerns about the poor security at media establishments, which leaves them vulnerable to such violent attacks.
Aliyu called on the Kogi State Government to give more support to media organizations by providing regular funding for operations and deploying well equipped security personnel to protect their premises.
He concluded by expressing sympathy to the management and staff of PRIME FM over the robbery, and he urged both state and federal governments to urgently investigate these recent attacks, prosecute the perpetrators, and restore the stolen equipment so that PRIME FM can resume serving the public effectively.
